QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Which of the following are exceptions to the Lewis octet rule?
(I) CO^2
(II) BeF^2
(III) SF^4
(IV) SO^3
(V) PCl^3"
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Answer
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Step 1
The Lewis octet rule states that atoms generally prefer to have eight electrons in their valence shell. However, there are exceptions where elements have fewer or more than eight electrons in their valence shell. Let's analyze each molecule to determine if they are exceptions to the Lewis octet rule.
Step 2(I) CO^2: Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell and oxygen has six.
In a CO^2 molecule, carbon forms double bonds with both oxygen atoms, sharing four electrons from carbon and receiving four from the oxygens. Each oxygen atom also shares two electrons with carbon and brings two of its own. This means that carbon has eight electrons around it, and each oxygen atom has eight as well. Therefore, CO^2 is not an exception to the Lewis octet rule.
Final Answer
BeF^2 and SF^4 are exceptions to the Lewis octet rule, as they have more than eight electrons in their valence shell.
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